Tava is a highly regarded professional bellydancer, author, instructor and choreographer based in New York and Connecticut. Described as “a rare gem who elevates the art of bellydance,” Tava credits her teachers, mentors and colleagues for their continued inspiration to learn and grow as a dancer. Equally at home performing at galas, family occasions, cultural events, theaters or in music videos, she prides herself on having a career with as much variety as possible.

Over the course of her career, Tava has developed a reputation as one of the top bellydancers in CT and NY. Her style has been described as “soulful, elegant and expressive.” Tava has choreographed a number of theatrical productions and teaches an average of 6 weekly classes, including an academic course on Arabic dance and its’ roots/cultural variations.

As director of her student troupe, The Manipura Dance Collective, Tava choreographs numerous dances per year that are showcased in her highly successful annual events. She has also lectured at symposiums and colleges (Fairfield University, The New School, Norwalk Community College, UCONN, etc.) on the history of the dance, and has contributed articles to dance-related publications. Tava can be seen on 2 Fantasy Bellydance performance DVD’s, produced by World Dance NY, and choreographed for Curtain Call’s “Shakespeare on the Green.” She has performed with Andrea Beeman‘s “Dancing Rubies,” and “Sparks in the Dark,” Elena Lentini‘s “Caravanserai Dance Theater” and The Dalia Carella Dance Collective. She is honored to perform regularly with Infinity Bellydance, a collective of NYC’s leading dance artists that offers exciting special event entertainment. Previous performance venues have included: Theater at MMAC (Manhattan Movement & Arts Center), Joe’s Pub, Gene Frankel Theater, The Cutting Room, Merce Cunningham Theater, FTC Theater, Bijou Theater, DROM, La Tulipe (partial list). She has performed for celebrities and dignitaries over the years and has taught workshops from Maryland to Montreal.

Tava and a group of enthusiastic students at UCONN after her lecture/performance

Through her dedication and training, Tava has learned an authentic style of Arabic dance which incorporates Turkish, Lebanese, North African, Greek and Egyptian influences. She is known for her musicality and understanding of the intricate rhythms used in the dance. Tava regularly exposes her students to live music and drumming, thanks to her supportive network of musicians. As a teacher, Tava is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and shedding the many misguided myths of middle eastern dance. She works with her students to not only teach the movements, but also to foster a sense of community and create a supportive atmosphere for self-expression. Currently, Tava’s students range from ages 10 to 80 years. With her background in counseling, Tava is keenly aware of the need to embrace a positive body image and uses the dance as a tool for building self-esteem.

Tava regularly performs at galas, restaurants, nightclubs, birthday parties (children & adults), weddings, bridal showers, and corporate events in NY (Westchester, NYC, Long Island, Rockland and Putnam County), CT and NJ. Tava is also available for bellydance parties, where guests participate in a group lesson followed by a performance. Duet and group performances are available as well as live music. The standard rate for a 20-25 minutes show is $250-$300 per dancer.

Bellydance By Tava Has Been Featured In The Following Publications

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Client Testimonials

"You were such a hit! I'm getting texts and phone calls raving about you. Your dancing, your grace and the ease with which you worked the crowd." - Karen, NJ

Thank you Tava for adding the perfect elegant touch to our party. All the guests raved about you. I appreciated your professionalism every step of the way and we want to hire you again for my daughter's wedding. I told you I researched a lot of bellydancers before hiring you ...

Wow, you were the highlight of the night. Our friends and family are still talking about your peformance two weeks later. Aside from your beauty and talent, I want to thank you for your professionalism through the process. You asked all the right questions and immediately put me at ease. ...

"I am taking the beginner's belly dance class with Tava and I am loving it! She is extremely knowledgeable and also very kind. I am hooked!"

CathyFairfield, CT

"Tava's dancing was just beautiful and she kept [the girls] moving their bellies all evening! It is so hard to come up with party ideas for teen girls that are just right and bellydancing provided the perfect theme!"

KarlaWilton, CT

"Tava, apart from being a truly great, creative, unique dancer you have an amazing talent to bring people together and charge them with great energy. I do not know how you do it, but you made every one of your students feel very special."

MarinaWestport, CT

"Tava, first of all it was a pleasure knowing you and having you as our teacher. Thanks for the confidence you built in us. I learned so much and your passion for teaching is very admirable."